What to watch for from Sounders players in international matches

The first slate of international matches kicks off Thursday and Friday, with all the Sounders internationals who are currently with their teams potentially getting starts or substitute appearances. The stakes are high for many of the countries involved as the chance to move onto the next stage of World Cup 2018 qualifying is on the line for most. Here’s how to watch those matches and what Sounders fan should be looking for.

Uruguay vs. Argentina, CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match: Sept. 1, 4:30 p.m. on beIN Sports

Sounders involved: Nicolás Lodeiro, Uruguay. Still fit and in excellent form for Seattle, he will likely be starting in this match.

Other players to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina, who many in Seattle saw play at CenturyLink Field during the Copa America this summer. He considered quitting his national team after the tournament, but had a change of heart and is back in the Argentina fold. Messi is, to most, still the best player in the world right now.

What’s at stake: There are still a lot of matches in CONMEBOL’s current qualifying round, but a win would keep Uruguay in the top spot in the table.

Prediction: 2-1 win for Uruguay. Both teams will be wanting bounce back from various degrees of failure at the Copa America, but I think Uruguay’s chemistry and strong squad will trump the Messi show.

USA vs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match: Sept. 2, 12:30 p.m. on beIN Sports

Sounders involved: Jordan Morris, USA. Oalex Anderson and Myron Samuel, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The two Vincy Heat (as the team is known) stars will likely start for their country, as they are two of the best on the squad. Anderson scored a famous goal against the Americans last year. Morris, on the other hand, may or may not start for the US in this match. Since it’s an easier team, it’s possible to see him get the nod over Bobby Wood or Jozy Altidore.

Other players to watch: DeAndre Yedlin, USA. The former Sounders homegrown player recently completed a move from Tottenham Hotspur to Newcastle United in the English Championship, and he will want to continue to show his worth to Jurgen Klinsmann’s team in these matches. Fully expect him to retain his starting role in this one.

What’s at stake: To leave no doubt about getting a place in the hexagonal round of qualifying, the US must absolutely win both of this week’s matches. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is already out of contention, so the team has only pride to play for, especially on its own turf. Former Vincy Heat international and current Sounders 2 head coach Ezra Hendrickson said that the president of the country is declaring Friday a nationwide half-day so that citizens can partake in the festivities.

Prediction: 4-1 win for the US. Here’s hoping for Vincy Heat to snag a goal from Anderson or Samuel to give their fans a little entertainment. Otherwise, the US will surely trounce St. Vincent and the Grenadines yet again.

Trinidad and Tobago vs. Guatemala, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying match: Sept. 2, 4 p.m. on beIN Sports Connect (app) or NBC Universo (Spanish)

Sounders involved: Joevin Jones, Trinidad and Tobago. He’s had a bit of a roller-coaster season for Seattle, playing extremely well on some occasions and rather average on others.

Other players to watch: Marco Pappa, Guatemala. Pappa, a former Sounder who’s now with the Colorado Rapids, has had a solid season with his new club and will surely start for his country in this one.

What’s at stake: Trinidad and Tobago currently leads its group (which includes the US), and a win in this match would cement the team’s trip to the hex. A win by Guatemala or a draw helps the US, especially if the Americans win their match, and Trinidad and Tobago would be fighting for survival in its match against the US on Tuesday.

Prediction: 1-1 draw. This will be a tight one, and Trinidad and Tobago will be pushing hard to secure a place, but Guatemala is no pushover. Expecting a very exciting draw.

Panama vs. Jamaica, CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match: Sept. 2, 6:30 p.m. on beIN Sports Connect (app), and on beIN Sports channel starting at 6:50 (or after the previous match ends)

Sounders involved: Román Torres, Panama. His country’s captain and a huge fan favorite, Torres could make his first return to international team action since tearing his ACL playing for the Sounders last September. He only returned to Sounders first-team action this past weekend when he came on at halftime in Portland. He’s an inspirational player and leader, but the Sounders will be hoping he’s used delicately by his country so as not to to tire him or aggravate his recently healed knee.

What’s at stake: A Panama win in this one would likely cement it into the hexagonal round and knock Jamaica out of contention even if the latter wins its next match.

Prediction: 1-0 win for Panama. Jamaica is a strong team at times, but Panama has the edge in quality and experience.

Spenser Davis also covers the Sounders for Sounder at Heart.

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